New Zealand Rugby congratulates Conrad Smith on 100 Investec Super Rugby games

Mar 15 • General News, Super Rugby • 1969 Views • Comments Off on New Zealand Rugby congratulates Conrad Smith on 100 Investec Super Rugby games

Hurricanes skipper and dynamic midfielder, Conrad Smith is set to become the 32nd player to join the exclusive club of New Zealand Investec Super Rugby centurions.

The 75-Test cap All Blacks centre will lead the Hurricanes out at Westpac Stadium today for their Round 5 match against the South African Cheetahs, earning his place among those New Zealand players who have played 100 matches in the competition.

Hawera-born Smith made his debut against the Cats (now known as the Lions) in 2004. Since then he has earned respect on the field for his ability to slip through defenders, and to deliver crunching tackles of his own.

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said: “He is 75-Test cap All Black, and was the 2012 Investec Super Rugby player of the year. Conrad is a classy player who works just as hard off the field as he does on it. His infectious tenacity on the park is a mark of his leadership style and a great asset to any environment of which is part, whether it be the All Blacks or Hurricanes. This is a special milestone for Conrad and the Hurricanes and it deserves recognition.”

Hurricanes Chief Executive James Te Puni also acknowledged Smith’s contribution to the Hurricanes.

“Conrad is an outstanding member of our organisation. He leads by example both on and off the field, and has proven to be an inspirational individual not only within our club, but the wider Hurricanes community.”

Hurricanes Coach Mark Hammett said:
“Conrad is an outstanding bloke and we’ve been lucky to have him at the Hurricanes for more than a decade. The commitment, dedication and loyalty he has shown this franchise is second-to-none, and he deserves every last bit of the recognition he gets for this milestone.”

New Zealand Rugby President Ian MacRae will present the traditional gift for Super Rugby centurions, a greenstone mere, to Smith at the conclusion of this afternoon’s match.